The source said Saari Sungib, who has served as the Hulu Kelang assemblyman since 2008, will not be seeking re-election because of health issues.

Hatta is among the few candidates capable of retaining the seat for Amanah, the source told FMT.

Saari first won the seat in the 2008 general election when he was with PAS and defended the seat in the 2013 general election.

He left PAS in 2015 along with several other leaders to form Amanah, going on to retain his seat in the 2018 general election.

Hatta acknowledged hearing rumours about his nomination for the seat but said he would leave the decision to Amanah and Pakatan Harapan.

“Two or three people have asked (me about it), but no definite decision has been made yet,” he said.

On the number of seats Amanah intends to contest in the state election, Hatta, who is also the party’s election director, said the matter would be disclosed soon.

“We are almost done (negotiating) with BN (Barisan Nasional). Just wait for the announcement,” he said.

Six states – Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu – are expected to hold elections in July or August.